Mali has revoked more than 90 mining exploration permits, including those held by subsidiaries of several international mining companies, according to an official decree reviewed by Reuters.
The affected companies include local subsidiaries of Harmony Gold (HARJ.J), IAMGOLD (IMG.TO), Cora Gold (CORAC.L), Birimian Gold, and Resolute Mining (RSG.AX).
The country’s Ministry of Mines said in a statement on Wednesday that the companies failed to comply with newly introduced legal requirements.
The decree, signed by Mines Minister Amadou Keita on October 13 and seen by Reuters on October 29, does not specify the exact reasons for the revocations but states that all rights granted under the permits have been “released,” and the corresponding areas are now available for reallocation.
“Permit holders were asked to submit required documents under new mining rules, but after verification, authorities found widespread non-compliance,” the ministry said. “As a result, the government has canceled the permits in line with mining legislation.”
The ministry did not indicate whether the affected companies can appeal or reapply for the permits.
The move is part of a broader trend across Africa, where several countries, including Guinea, have recently tightened mining regulations, canceled dormant or non-compliant permits, and introduced tougher rules to increase revenues from natural resources.
These measures reflect an ongoing effort to strengthen oversight and reclaim national control over strategic mining assets.
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Mali’s decree annuls permits issued between 2015 and 2022 for the exploration of gold, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, rare earth elements, and other minerals.
While the decree lists the permits by number and location, it does not disclose the total area affected or the estimated value of the exploration projects.
Cora Gold told Reuters that it had relinquished the affected permits more than two years ago and had not received any formal notification from authorities. The company said the delayed cancellation had no impact on its operations and did not require any further action.
Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, Birimian Gold, and Resolute Mining did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Mali remains one of Africa’s leading gold producers, with mining contributing significantly to its revenue and exports. However, recent regulatory crackdowns and persistent insecurity have disrupted foreign investment.
Industrial gold output is expected to fall below the 2025 target due to disruptions at Barrick’s (ABX.TO) Loulo-Gounkoto mine, the country’s largest gold operation.
The military-led government has also been strengthening its partnership with Russia through energy and mining agreements.
These include a deal to supply between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and agricultural products to help alleviate a fuel blockade imposed by Islamist militants that has crippled transport and led to nationwide school closures.
The agreement builds on previous Russian-backed initiatives in Mali’s mining industry, including joint ventures in gold, uranium, and lithium, as well as the construction of a state-controlled gold refinery in Bamako.
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